In 1651, the Battle of Worcester brought the English Civil Wars to a dramatic close. Now, 375 years on, a programme of exciting events, exhibitions, creative workshops and spectacular living history experiences that explore the stories, places and people connected to this defining moment are taking place across Worcester and Worcestershire.

This final clash which ravaged the heart of the city, left England without a monarch and changed the course of the country's history. Commemorations were launched on Friday 6 March at The Commandery, Worcester attended by heritage and tourism partners.

Museums Worcestershire has joined with Visit Worcestershire to create and promote a year of events to entertain residents and to attract visitors into the city and county. Visit Worcestershire has awarded funding to 11 new experiences and events designed to drive visitor growth across the region. It will also be promoting a ‘Summer of Heritage’ and has commissioned a national advertising campaign to celebrate the county’s fascinating history.

The Commandery, which sat at the heart of the battle as the Royalist Headquarters, is hosting two exciting family-friendly days of living history: Oak Apple Day on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May and The Last Battle: 375th Anniversary on Saturday 5 September. One of the city’s oldest buildings, and surviving cannon fire during the battle itself, The Commandery is home to the Civil War Story exhibition where visitors can learn about the battle, see Oliver Cromwell’s death mask and choose a side to discover how they fare in the Battle of Worcester.

Worcester Cathedral is offering tours of its library and archive exploring the 17th-century era, with the opportunity to see original documents about Worcester from the time of the battle.

A fascinating series of history talks from a variety of speakers including medical historian Kevin Goodman, author Charles Cordell, and the University of Worcester’s Professor Darren Oldridge is taking place from March to October at The Commandery, Worcester Cathedral, the Hive, and Tudor House.

The Civil War battlefield is brought to life by The Sealed Knot on Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 July at Hartlebury Castle.

On the anniversary of the Battle of Worcester itself, Thursdday 3 September, 17th-century soldiers will parade through Worcester up to Fort Royal Park for the Drumhead Service of Remembrance to commemorate those who fought and died in and around the city during the English Civil Wars.

A full list of events taking place across Worcestershire can be found at Visit Worcestershire's website or by picking up an English Civil War 375 leaflet from Worcester Tourist Information Centre.